Football Hooligans and Thugs

[craig1912]

Downward said:

The biggest issue is that some refs won’t give out yellow cards or call fouls so you can see after a short time which games are going to end up in fighting.

Swear at the ref yellow card, tackle and break someone’s leg, nothing.

I agree the standard of refereeing has declined. Mainly because I believe they are taught poorly.

Both my sons have been referees in their younger teens. One has also played grassroots football and the other has played professionally. I’ve seen hundreds of games as a parent watching them either play or referee.
My youngest when 14 had one of the worse games I’ve seen but was praised for his performance as a referee. He sent two players off and produced six or seven yellow cards (all for one of the teams). He also spoke to one of the managers but the parents were the worst and he coundlt do anything about them.
The team had two games abandoned because of conduct and at this match was a county FA rep to observe.
The team was thrown out of the league and my lad had to give evidence at the hearing.

The problem with referees is they won’t just talk to players, many (and I know it’s a generalisation) lack social skills and in their training they are not “taught” any of the softer skills. I’d even say they are encouraged to one superior” to the players. I’ve sat in on many training sessions (theory and practice) and sometimes it’s embarrassing.

Interestingly at an Academy level there are no issues whatsoever. Parents don’t say anything and players generally keep their mouths shut. The refs have a very easy job.

I’ve watched a lot of league 1, 2 and “non” league and referees are getting worse. I do believe that the best refs give up due to the abuse they get from parents and players.

Both the Premier League and FA have a lot to answer for but, sadly nothing will be done at the higher levels so, nothing will happen at the lower levels.

[babelfish]

craig1912 said:

I agree the standard of refereeing has declined. Mainly because I believe they are taught poorly.

Could it also be due to less people willing to it due to abuse?

My nephews play in the Welsh Premier Academy League and some refs take no abuse. Others don't respond but it must get to them.